Crawford Lake Conservation Area image

Crawford Lake Conservation Area

Tourist attraction Park Historical landmark Nature preserve

One of the Best Places To Visits in Milton


Address

3115 Conservation Rd, Milton, ON L9T 2X3, Canada

Website

www.conservationhalton.ca

Contact

+1 905-854-0234

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (3.3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 9 am to 7 pm
  • Friday: 9 am to 7 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am to 7 pm
  • Sunday: (New Year's Eve), 9 am to 7 pm, Hours might differ
  • Monday: (New Year's Day), 9 am to 7 pm, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 9 am to 7 pm
  • Wednesday: 9 am to 7 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: lake (26) trails (25) trail (21) Crawford (15) boardwalk (13) beautiful (13) visit (12) time (12) Lake (12) easy (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Ben I. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a great all season Conservation Area to visit. I bring a camp of kids here several times a year and the kids always have a good time. There's a lovely path that leads down and all the way around Crawford Lake. Most of the path is wooden boardwalk so it's a nice, easy trek. There is a trail that branches off and leads all the way to Rattlesnake Point! (If you're feeling a long adventure) The Native Village is always a great spot to visit as well. Great for learning about some of the history of the land and it's Native people. There are three Longhouses, each very different. One is full of old artifacts and left mostly open all seasons. The other contains a small seating area with a screen and a really cool dig site containing several sand pits with fossils and bones buried inside. Great for budding archaeologists! The third longhouse contains a really nicely designed museum. There's a lot of things to see and do here and would recommend a visit with or without kids!
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Setareh G. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful and clean area. The lake was lovely and there was a wooden boardwalk all around it which was 1 kilometre in a loop; very easy trail for all ages.(in the map they show it by blue line but you should fallow the purple sign to reach the lake.) Next to the parking lots there are some longhouses. They are open and you can see some stuff of native people which are like a museum and very interesting. The other side is visitors centre which includes washrooms,small market and coffee shop. You can see the map there and signs after you coming out of visitors centre. The escarpment trail (yellow one )it has a nice lookout and easy to go with stroller and toddlers till lookout, after that it became moderate and I don’t recommend it if you are with kids or seniors. There are 3 parking lots. There are several washrooms, all clean with liquid soaps and sanitizer. Bbq is not allowed. Reservation is required. Admission fee is: Adults $9.75 Seniors $7.75 Children (5-14) $6.75 Children (under 5) Free For 3hours. If you want to stay more or going there frequently, better to get membership.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matthew S. 2 years ago on Google
    What a beautiful place to visit! We went on a cold winter day with snow crunching under our feet and had a blast taking photos and videos. It was not very busy, or maybe it’s just so big everyone was spread out. Lots of easy paths to choose from, plus one challenging one we found heading from the lookout to the parking lot. Lots of rocks on that one path. Otherwise it was pretty easy trekking. Highly recommend for a date, family outing, or a solo journey.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mikee L. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful, sunny day. Breathtaking trails at every turn. Enjoyed seeing the village, as there was lots to learn, and walking around the elevated boardwalk! We went to the loop trail (boardwalk) and did half of the Escarpment trail to see the lookout. As it was winter, there wasn't much to see, but still a beautiful walk there nonetheless. A must see if you're in the area. 🎠😊
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christina V. 2 years ago on Google
    Well maintained trails and easy to follow directions. Great sculptures through the first part of the Forest. Friendly knowledgeable staff. The long houses and all the artifacts inside were amazing to see. We have never seen anything like that. So we were impressed. I highly recommend it!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sithira P. 11 months ago on Google
    If you are looking for a weekend walk that is not only a walk, but also a learning adventure, then Crawford Lake trails is the place for you. You will enjoy the stunning views of the lake and the forest, and challenge yourself with some steep and rocky sections. You will also discover the rich culture and history of the First Nations people who lived in harmony with this land. There exhibits that tell you their stories and traditions, and you will feel like you are traveling back in time. The only thing you need to bring is your own food and drinks, because the restaurant is not open. But that's a small price to pay for such a rewarding experience. I loved it and I'm sure you will too. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arnab D. 1 year ago on Google
    Easy board walk round the meromictic lake. Some wonderful sculpture in different trail. Another attraction is longhouse village. Two important points though - please have reservation before going there. Please be aware you might find milk snakes in some trail.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 rohan v. 1 year ago on Google
    This was a wonderful experience, though I felt that the boardwalk along the lake could have been better if it was a little closer to the water. Couldn't get to really enjoy the lakeside due to this. In parts the trail was a bit on the difficult side but posed a good challenge to the group. Highly enjoyable experience and the fall colors on view was worth the effort.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fatima S. 1 year ago on Google
    Crawford Lake was a nice surprise! The view of the lake is amazing and it was great to spend some time admiring the view and getting in touch with nature. The trails are fairly easy and there is an interesting historical site as well. Also lots of kids. If you are planning to go on the Bruce Trail hiking shoes are a must, otherwise if you are just around the parking it's a nice to have. Also tried their Elk Hotdog, was very rich. The trails are well maintained and well marked.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Skywalker87 1 year ago on Google
    The Escarpment trail, Pine trail and the lake trails are the best. Easy to moderate level of difficulty. Great views and the lake is beautiful. We picked up a couple of discarded bottles and coffee cups thrown by people that do not care for cleanliness. People need to be a bit more mindful of nature. Very enjoyable day.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Cassandra Jewell (Jelly J. 2 years ago on Google
    I likely would never go on a weekend again. We went last weekend and it was so packed. People were not considerate of keeping any form of space, not even related to covid, just safety in general. A lot of people littering and throwing things in the water. If you do go, we recommend taking the Pine Ridge loop, it will be busy until you get to the turn off. This place has an incredible variety of fungus, some edible varieties and giant puffballs. Its a little sad that people feel the need to destroy the puffballs, they are edible and can be prepared and frozen. We have found some really huge ones in the past there.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dannielle 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful spot for a winter hike. Lake was totally frozen which was quite a sight. The boardwalk around the lake makes for some great photo opps, but it is really icy so wearing crampons would be best. Was very quiet and peaceful on a Monday afternoon in February. Costs $10pp to enter as of the time of this review and must be reserved in advance. There are trails that connect to Rattlesnake Point, so you could do both in one areas for one entry fee if you are prepared. Restrooms were NOT open at the time of my visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 George A. 5 months ago on Google
    I visited Crawford Lake Conservation Area with friends during the fall, and I was captivated by the stunning views and the fantastic loop trails. These trails were particularly enjoyable for us because we had children with us, and a portion of the trail consisted of a wooden path, which added a unique touch to our experience. Towards the end of our visit, the kids were amazed by the reconstructed indigenous village. It not only provided entertainment but also offered valuable educational insights for everyone.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leanna L. 6 months ago on Google
    What a beautiful experience! Came here with friends to do a 1.5km trek but ended up doing a 13.4km loop! Started at Rattlesnake Point along 2-3 other trails until we came upon Crawford Lake. Such a beautiful site! We started in the early morning when it was relatively quiet, by the time we got back to the original starting point, there was a growing crowd of larger groups on the trail. Would recommend buying your passes in advance for smoother entry and exit as that is what we had done. Perfect outing for families, dog friendly and hike lovers alike. Most direction points has a small washroom hut for convenience, Crawford Lake has a visitor's centre where many can rest, access bathroom and change tables for families, snacks, beverages and a quaint little gift shop for memorabilia. Can't wait to return again :)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zarina S. 9 months ago on Google
    It was an absolute delight. We saw long houses and took the Crawford Lake trail around the lake. We saw so many colorful dragonflies, butterflies, several fishes, turtles, snake, frogs.and more in just one visit. The breathtaking view of the lake from every angle is to die for and cleanliness is so much appreciated.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nisha K. 10 months ago on Google
    Very calm and peaceful trails. Very well maintained trails and at every point there are arrows to guide us. Apart from the trails there is a village that talks about the history and people who belonged to Crawford. The structure maintained well but unfortunately when we visited the place the entry to those houses were closed. You can purchase the ticket at the entrance of park.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hajnal K. 11 months ago on Google
    Love this park. Register before going! Family friendly, boardwalk around a really special lake, lots of picnic spots, wooden figures around the trails, and lots of beautiful wildlife and trees to look at. There are various trail to choose from, the look out is pretty! Be careful around the trail edges, there is poison ivy in some spots. Long pants tucked into sucks is recommended for poison ivy and tick prevention too. The educational staff are excellent here. There are thousands of kids that come through here with school program. Conveniently located on Guelph Line and close to the 401. Must try!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cerise 6 months ago on Google
    It was a gorgeous day for hiking at Crawford Lake Conservation. The trails are well maintained, and the views of the lake are stunning. Walking the trails at Crawford Lake on September 30th will become a yearly tradition for myself and my family as we continue to educate ourselves about Indigenous history.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laura O. 7 months ago on Google
    I loved the hiking trails and the Iroquois reserve!! The view of the canyon is breathtaking, can’t imagine it during fall… For people who loves hiking, there’s a lot of options. Wonderful place! I personally recommend to make a reservation on their website prior to the visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hoshang V. 7 months ago on Google
    Great for short hikes/treks. Lots of benches to sit down and enjoy a picnic NOTE: restrooms close around 4 pm and it's hard to find restrooms inside. Best bet is the restroom opposite the main entrance gate.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jacob D. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing hike, loved the history and the walk around the lake. You can also get rattlesnake views if you take the yellow path.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Angela W. 7 months ago on Google
    Wood trails great for family. No higher point头see the beautiful lake. Ticket is $10 per person.If you are willing to hiking a few hours, there is a free parking 43.466624, -79.928736
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 House of M. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely scenery in a warm winter day. The conservation area is good and easy for hiking. but so sad that some period of boardwalk is closed. Walking along the beautiful Crawford lake is such an enjoyment. The lookout for Nassagaweya canyon is also nice to feel the great of Niagara escarpment.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tim R. 2 years ago on Google
    The trails that they have put together there coinciding with the natural setting is fantastic and picturesque. I love that the longhouse village has been put up there to teach people about indigenous culture in a good way. It's definitely a place to take the kids and a great place to learn.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Adrian L. 2 years ago on Google
    Have hiked here twice. Once in the winter with lots of snow. The other time hikked over from Rattlesnake Point. Nice boardwalk trail along the lake. All Trails app really helps you navigate.

  • 4/5 Michael L. 8 months ago on Google
    This place of conservation area is nice place to have gathering with friend and families. The admission fee is $10.5 per person, paid through online, otherwise we would pay more at the gate. They also have a few of trails to go, and it is an easy trails. Just wear running shoes and hat in summer. There are also a lot of boardwalk, and it was so beautiful to take photos on the way of trails. You can also see some beautiful wooden sculptures. The park itself is not crowded, so it is nice to take pictures while on trails. We went there on the weekend. Recommended.

  • 5/5 Hirushi W. 6 months ago on Google
    A very good nature hike for the entire family. Children can seethe reconstructed iroquoien village . Beautiful wood carving and hike around the lake which is on a board walk is an easy one Crawford lake one of a kind you can see the layers when the sun shines Get the reservations online

  • 5/5 Krystal P. 8 months ago on Google
    Visited here for a nice hike after we saw the story on CHCH news. Beautiful trails and paths. And the lake is the highlight of the visit. The staff was friendly that we encountered. We got there around 11 and it wasn’t busy. We spent about an hour and a half walking around and it was getting busy around 1230-1pm

  • 4/5 judi k. 1 year ago on Google
    A gorgeous fall day was forecasted so we decided to head to Crawford Lake for the day....scratch that...2 hours as that is what you are allowed when u book on line and you have to book on line as u will not be able to enter as it is all automated now. This did not deter from a beautiful hike on a trail which hooked up to the Crawford Lake boardwalk trail. The trees were at their peak in color and the warmth of the sun just made it an epic hike. We did take our time to soak up all the scenery and carvings ( talented folks) and chewed up the 2plus hours pretty quickly. We didn't get to tour the structures as we didn't want to be the 'rule' breakers. Outside of the limited time, it is a wonderful place to visit. The gal in the visitors center kindly printed out a trail map for us and was very friendly and shared info about an app that helps if you get lost. Just can't remember the name of it😲😆

  • 5/5 Nicole M. 1 year ago on Google
    My 2nd time here, I love coming back for the hikes around here. Beautiful park. Ps there are no walk-ins, rarely any booth service. You have to reserve a ticket through your phone and the from entrance is automatic. When you scan the ticket, the fence opens. My friend and I weren't aware but thankfully we're able to do it on the spot within 10 minutes. Glad it worked out!

  • 5/5 Sajini De S. 1 year ago on Google
    It is a really nice place to hike, specially the boardwalk around the lake. You can see fall colors too and you can take your dog as well, but needs to be leashed. Lovely wooden sculptures throughout the boardwalk. Prior Reservations should be made to enter.

  • 4/5 Jephthah D. 2 years ago on Google
    Stunning, fantastic place & worth visiting the conservation park & learnt so many interesting facts about Crawford lake. Loved the walk around the trail, felt nature closely and finally has good fresh air....do visit & enjoy a great time with your friends and loved ones....

  • 5/5 Luis Barinas G. 1 year ago on Google
    I loved this conservation area! It was in great conditions, the entrance price is 11 dollars, and it have plenty of trails, a lake and a lot of indigenous Canadian history!

  • 5/5 Sukhinder K. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a gorgeous spot and beautiful carvings. The hike around the lake is not too long but not too short when you with some.young children and there are spots to take a break. Honestly, the lake is beautiful...wow!!!

  • 5/5 Magued H. 2 years ago on Google
    An amazing trail with many areas where you can stop, rest, relax, and enjoy the sceneries of the nature. Fall time is mesmerizing with the blend of colors of leafs. Breathtaking!

  • 5/5 Staycation Guru Take Me to Summer (Burlington Beach R. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the gorgeous parks in Halton. Wonderful walkway built to encircle the lake and allow you to wander the forests. Cool wooden sculptures and rugged limestone views. A must visit in the area 💚


Call +1 905-854-0234 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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